Tobacco farmers gear for rich pickings

TOBACCO farmers says they are happy that prices are now picking up and will deliver their crop in the coming weeks.

Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) data indicate that farmers have sold 1 159 220kg bales at auction floors, valued at US$1 958 606 and 14 856 565 kg under contract, valued at US$41 332 927.

The excitement at Harare’s auction floors is palpable as prices rise and more growers deliver tobacco. Most farmers said they were happy with the prices being offered by buyers.

Mr Forward Tamirepi of Nyamatora, Karoi, said:“I was not expecting the prices I witnessed today because I heard rumours that tobacco buyers are not buying well,”he said.

Mrs Mary Mutize of Headlands said prices were improving compared to earlier in the season.

Mrs Elizabeth Maurukira of Guruve described how tobacco farming has transformed her life.

“I have 45 hectares of tobacco under irrigation and 10 of dry land; so I am expecting over 200 000 kg of tobacco this year,” she said.

Tobacco remains one of the country’s most important agricultural and export commodities. It sustains hundreds of thousands of rural households, pays school fees, builds homes, supports rural enterprises, and anchors livelihoods in farming communities.

The total area planted increased by 15 percent, from 143 025 hectares to 164 536 hectares, signalling renewed confidence among farmers and improved seasonal conditions.

TIMB board chair Mr Patrick Devenish recently said exports continue to perform strongly.

Premier Tobacco Auction Floors operations manager Mr Sam Garabha said prices and volumes were starting to pick up.

“When we opened the tobacco market season on the 4th of March, there was a low turnover. Initially there were high expectations from farmers to receive higher prices, but we had few buyers who were performing on the market and that really watered down the expectations of farmers.

“We initially started with just four merchants, but today we have nine, who are participating on the auction markets and which has seen prices improving significantly and deliveries are starting to increase,” he said.

Mr Garabha added that they strive to ensure farmers realise maximum returns from their crops.

“To some extent, we offer free transport to the farmers, because we understand that the transport to move their tobacco from different areas is a bit expensive, but they will start to realise money in their pockets by having free transport,” he said.

Key figures

– Auction bales sold: 1 159 (220 kg each) — US$1 958 606

– Contract sales: 14 856 565 kg — US$41 332 927

– Highest auction price: US$4,93/kg

– Highest contract price: US$5,50/kg

– Total area planted: up 15 percent to 164 536 hectares

– Export earnings (to mid-February 2026): US$399,8 million